Business Planning Manager

At Kia, we’re creating award-winning products and redefining what value means in the automotive industry. It takes a special group of individuals to do what we do, and we do it together. Our culture is fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative. Our people thrive on thinking differently and challenging the status quo. We are creating something special here, a culture of learning and opportunity, where you can help Kia achieve big things and most importantly, feel passionate and connected to your work every day. Kia provides team members with competitive benefits including premium paid medical, dental and vision coverage for you and your dependents, 401(k) plan matching of 100% up to 6% of the salary deferral, and paid time off. Kia also offers company lease and purchase programs, company-wide holiday shutdown, paid volunteer hours, and premium lifestyle amenities at our corporate campus in Irvine, California. Status Exempt General Summary The Business Planning Manager leads North American business planning and operational coordination activities by overseeing production, shipment, allocation, performance management, and strategic planning processes across manufacturing plants, headquarters, and regional stakeholders. This role is responsible for driving short- to long-term planning alignment, managing operational issues and program-related actions, supporting executive decision‑making through timely reporting and analysis, and providing market intelligence on competitors, production investments including EV/battery, and U.S. policy developments. The position also oversees planning master data/process management and supports system and reporting enhancements to improve planning accuracy, visibility, and business responsiveness. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Priority One – 25% Business and Strategic Planning Support development of annual and mid-/long-term business plans for production and shipment. Consolidate and review production and shipment bound for North America market regions for domestic and overseas import volumes. Manage key planning events, milestone schedules, and planning input alignment across functions. Support monthly and rolling demand/order outlook reviews for North America, including 5-month order forecasts and production request volumes. Priority Two – 20% Production/Shipment Performance Management Oversee overall pipeline of production, shipment, wholesale, retail, and inventory performance for key models. Oversee North America logistics management. Identify operational issues, supply constraints and risks, and support issue resolution. Review monthly plant order status and coordinate with internal/external stakeholders on changes or variances. Prepare recurring management reports with accurate, timely performance updates. Priority Three – 20% Allocation and Operational Control Support planning and allocation across North American production volume (North America & Global plants). Oversee supply chain management (SCM). Conduct rundown simulations and supply scenario analysis for model/program planning. Manage new model initial option mix, critical parts constraints, and build-out plan. Drive cross-functional alignment on supply feasibility and operational priorities. Priority Four – 10% New Plant (HMGMA) Process Management Manage HMGMA-related meeting bodies, follow-up items, and issue tracking. Coordinate planning discussions and action items among HQ, plants, and related functions. Support launch readiness reviews and escalation of major concerns impacting operational execution. Priority Five – 10% Market / Industry / Policy Research Research and summarize North American competitor production strategies, EV programs, and battery investment trends. Monitor U.S. government tariffs, regulations, and policy developments that may impact business operations. Provide structured benchmarking materials for management reference. Priority Six – 10% Executive Reporting and Reference Support Prepare and support executive-level materials, including reference data for plant and business-related reviews. Respond to ad hoc data and analysis requests from leadership in a timely and accurate manner. Support preparation of presentation materials for executive management meetings and business reviews. Priority Seven – 5% Process / System / Data Management Improvement Maintain and improve performance management master files. Support IT/system enhancement initiatives related to business planning and reporting processes. Participate in SAP BW, GERP, and related reporting/process update activities, including validation and user support. This list of essential responsibilities and duties is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary by management. Qualifications/Education Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required. Master’s degree preferred. Job Requirement Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in business administration, manufacturing, economics, statistics, supply chain, engineering, finance, or a related field, or equivalent work experience required. 5+ years of project management or high-level administrative experience required. Fluent in Korean/English (Bilingual) preferred. Intermediate-to-advanced proficiency in software such as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint. Strong analytical background with experience handling large data sets, forecasts, operational KPIs, and business reporting. Experience in preparing management-level reports and presentation materials. Strong time management and ability to collaborate with other departments. Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Other Requirements Physical Requirements: frequent sitting, vision, hearing, typing, and talking. 0-25% of domestic and/or international travel. Job demands may include reading documents, detailed work, confidentiality, problem solving, language, reasoning skills, oral communication, written communication, customer contact, ability to effectively present information in one‑on‑one and small group situations to customers, vendors, and other employees, multiple concurrent tasks, ability to work with constant interruptions, etc. Must be able to maintain focus and attention to detail in a fast‑paced environment. Ability to analyze information and make sound decisions under time constraints. Problem‑solving skills and the ability to work independently. Must be able to respond to challenges with poise and agility. Ability to handle competing priorities effectively and with composure. Other duties as assigned. Specialized Skills and Knowledge Required Excellent communication skills required (written and oral) Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word). Advanced programming languages preferred. Knowledge of big data, data analysis & visualizations preferred. Forecasting and scenario modeling preferred. SAP BW / ERP / reporting systems knowledge. Analytical and Strategic Thinking. Ability to maintain the utmost confidentiality on all matters. Attention to detail and accuracy. Time management and prioritization. Issue tracking and follow-through. Competencies Care for People Chase Excellence Every Day Dare to Push Boundaries Empower People to Act Move Further Together Pay Range $89,936.24 - $121,409.23 Pay will be based on several variables that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to, job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, etc. Equal Employment Opportunities KUS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, including pregnancy and childbirth and related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, legally protected physical disability or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. KUS complies with applicable law governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which KUS has offices. The KUS EEO policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment. Disclaimer : The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and for this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. #J-18808-Ljbffr